...Currently Reading...

I'm a bit of a 'book worm' and so I will often have a few novels, paper backs, pdf files or e-books open and on the go.January 2014: It's not surprising that I have picked up my good friend Mike Scaddan's book titled '40 Engaging Brain Based Tools for the Classroom'. I had the privilege of critiquing Mike's books in 2007 before it went to print. The book is such an excellent resource that inspires and often reminds me to keep the students I am most fortunate to work alongside active and engaged in thinking and learning that is fun.

March 2014: I have been thinking of ways that I can put humour, insight and surprise into the classroom. On a visit to our local library I picked up two books by lateral thinking guru Edward De Bono, titled 'How to be More Interesting' and 'I am Right, you are Wrong'.The first book suggests that playing with ideas, making connections, speculating and using imagination are at the heart of an interesting person. Book two is however based on the premise that we can all be winners. Clearer perception is the key to constructive thinking and more open-minded creativity.

Karen Boyes has finished her second e-Book, titled Collective Wisdom 2014. I do like the fact that it's a free online pdf and that the ideas she shares are those from teachers and educationalists who have attended the Teachers Matter Conferences in three regions being Sydney, Hamilton and Wellington.

Have a sneaky peek at this resource about 'Developing Creativity' and as I have done, take from it what 'tickles your fancy'.

April-May 2014: I have rediscovered a book that I purchased in my first year of teacher training. It's called 'Friendly Kids, Friendly Classrooms' by Helen McGrath and Shona Francey and serves the purpose of developing social skills in the classroom. This resource will certainly come in handy as the integrated inquiry unit I have recently planned is based predominantly on behaviours as Whakapakari Kaiarahi - Growing Great Leaders.BRAINWAVE....I have decided to include the following template for critiquing the research papers or books I enter from now on in my Reading Log.

Important PDF's...

I often find it necessary to refer back (and forward) to publications or readings that support my role as a classroom practitioner and other hats that I also wear. The files that I currently deem important are linked below and stored under 'iBooks' on my ipad making them easily accessible anywhere at any time when I require them.

Maori Education Strategy - Ka Hikitia: Managing Success, 2013-2017

Creating Culturally-Safe Learning Environments, Angus McFarlane

PRT Induction and Mentoring: NZ Teacher's Council

Then There's the VLN...

I visit the VLN or Virtual Learning Network 1-3 times each week to read up on the 'latest and greatest' in the ICT and e-learning educational world. I really do believe it is New Zealand's best online resource.The VLN is free to join and the e-mail updates are awesome as they prompt me to read and often contribute to online discussions with like-minded others. I would recommend every NZ teacher take a peek at this very worthy online space.

I have recently joined and am yet to contribute to the following groups:(a) MoToMa MaP managed by Moana, Togi (my Samoan buddy) and Manu; a space to share and contribute towards engaging and improving achievement for Maori and Pasifika learners.(b) Connected Rotorua Teachers (an invitation from Annemarie Hyde). This space was set up by Marnel van der Spuy, a teacher from Broadlands and 2014 e-fellow.